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Mark Burnam <Back Mohawk Induction Category: Year Inducted Coach 2022 Mark “Redman” Burnam is truly a rare, unique and influential individual in the sport of lacrosse. Burnam has touched many lives from among his community, his country and around the world by sharing his passion for competition, coaching, and storytelling. His early introduction to lacrosse as a Mohawk child started a life-long relationship that continues to this day as one of the true ambassadors of the sport. With a playing career punctuated by winning, he started by winning the 1980 NYS Lacrosse Championship earning MVP at Henninger High School. Burnam played at Syracuse University and in 1983 won a NCAA D 1 National Championship and in 1984 were Runners-up. Mark has decades of international experience both as a player and a coach. Burnam was a 5-X World team captain with the Iroquois Nationals and was a professional NLL player from 1987-1998 with NJ Saints, Buffalo Bandits winning two World Champions in 1992 and 1993 finishing up with Rochester and finally the Syracuse Smash. Burnam was the head coach at IMG Academy from 2016-19 and he currently is the head coach of the Iroquois Nationals U19 world team. Red has coached both as the head and assistant coach of Iroquois National teams for the past 12 years. Maybe his greatest impact is as a coach is where he continues to influence youth, adolescent, and professional athletes, teaching the meaning and value of the sport as a character-builder for all who choose to play and learn. Burnam’s notable and easily recognizable tough and relentless playing style is exceeded only by his enthusiasm, love, and infectious sense of humor with family, friends, colleagues, and those for whom he forever calls Team. Bio credit: Dan Witmer, quotes legends of lake placid bio

< Back Ukaleq Slettemark Ukaleq Slettemark Inuit Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2023 Ukaleq Slettemark is a Greenlandic Biathlete who competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, where she was the only biathlete, regardless of gender, who hit all 30/30 targets in the individual and sprint competition. In 2019 she won gold in the youth World Championships in Osrblie, Slovakia. She has several other top 10 results in the Junior World Championships from 2017, 2019 and 2021. Ukaleq is inuk and grew up in Greenland with no access to a biathlon shooting range. In 2016 she moved to Norway to pursue biathlon. She currently lives in Norway where she trains and competes with a Norwegian private team. In Norway she is considered one of the best biathletes in her age group, with several podiums and gold Medals in the Norwegian cup and Norwegian championships, as well as a few podiums in the senior category. Norway is considered the best biathlon nation in the world. In 2018 she won the overall Norwegian cup score for the girls 17 group. Photo: Proudly wearing a sealskin cap during training. <Back

< Back Asa Shenandoah Asa Shenandoah Lumbee/Tuscarora/Onondaga Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Asa Shenandoah, Daiaweñdodeh, represents two bloodlines. Her mother’s people, the Lumbee and Tuscarora Tribes of North Carolina, are river, swamp and coastal folk. Her father’s people welcomed the Peacemaker into Haudenosaunee territory on the Onondaga Lake. Though Shenandoah was adopted by her father’s nation at birth, her call to water comes from both sides. Shenandoah attended St. Andrew’s School in Delaware where she discovered rowing. She was moved to the top varsity boat as a sophomore, one of two underclassman on an all senior boat. That year she competed in the most prestigious high school rowing competition in the world, the 2004 Stotesbury Regatta. The team won with a time of 5:29:05 in the 1500m sprint. Their success secured them entry into the Henley Royal Regatta in England. Henley attracts Olympic and elite intercollegiate competitors from around the globe. Few high school programs participate. Her team set a divisional course record during the semifinals. They placed second in the finals. After college Shenandoah was approached to help create a Native crew team in Onondaga. At one time the lake had become one of the most polluted lakes in the world. She saw this as an opportunity to help to repair her community’s relationship with, and bring exposure to, the water. Shenandoah began coaching for the Syracuse City School crew team and Syracuse Chargers Rowing Club.These programs gave her the experience, certifications and support to grow the first indigenous crew team. Under her leadership the team gained representatives from across the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She built connections that brought the team instruction from the head coach of Colgate University, training with Virginia Commonwealth University Women’s team and use of Syracuse University’s training facilities. They competed in several regattas within the first year. This crew of mothers, grandmothers, college students and aunties advocated for women and promoted wellness within their community. Since COVID, however, they are on hiatus. The goal for Shenandoah having a boathouse on the lake would be the first time the Onondaga People would occupy a place on the water in a very long time. <Back

< Back Teton Saltes Teton Saltes Oglala Lakota Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2024 Teton Saltes is a remarkable individual whose list of accomplishments is nothing short of extraordinary, all achieved by the age of 25. He stands as a symbol of unwavering dedication and the potential for change and impact at a remarkably young age. During his college football career, Saltes earned two Mountain West All-Conference honorable mentions and was twice honored as a Mountain West All-Academic. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the only college football major award winner in University of New Mexico history as the recipient of the prestigious Wuerffel Trophy. His four-year stint as a starting offensive lineman for the University of New Mexico football team showcases his exceptional athletic abilities and cemented his legacy as one of the best offensive lineman to ever play at UNM. In 2021, Saltes joined the NFL and was a member of the New York Jets. He played in the USFL in 2022 for the Michigan Panthers and secured a championship in the XFL in 2023 with the Arlington Renegades. Beyond his sporting achievements, Saltes's advocacy efforts are equally noteworthy. He addressed the United States Congress and testified before the New Mexico state legislature, passionately advocating for mental health support for student-athletes. His role as a board member in the BEAR Project in Pine Ridge, SD, demonstrates his unwavering commitment to community betterment. Saltes's academic accomplishments are as impressive as his athletic and advocacy feats. He graduated with a degree in political science and entered into a master of law graduate program, with intentions to eventually receive his Juris Doctorate. Saltes' legacy is a testament to the incredible impact an individual can have with determination, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their goals. <Back

< Back Bobby Ross Bobby Ross Songhees Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Bobby Ross was the first Indigenous athlete to gain world recognition as a leading player on the Canadian men’s national rugby team. A proud member of the Songhees Nation on Vancouver Island, Ross has been honored with induction into the BC Rugby Hall of Fame (2019), Victoria Sports Hall of Fame (2020), and Rugby Canada Hall of Fame (2021). He represented Canada at three Rugby World Cups in 1995, 1999, and 2003. Growing up in Victoria, Ross was an exceptional multi-sport athlete. At St. Michaels University School, he was part of a dominant rugby team that went undefeated (14–0) in his final year. After graduation, Ross was selected to the Canadian Junior Baseball Team and competed at the 1987 World Junior Championships, where he batted .376 and helped Canada win a bronze medal. A baseball scholarship took him to Washington State, but his passion for rugby brought him back to Canada. He played for the University of Victoria (UVic) and captained the Canadian Junior Rugby Team on a tour of Wales in 1988. In his first UVic match against rival UBC, Ross sealed the win with a dramatic 55-metre drop goal at the final whistle. Ross earned his first international cap in 1989 against Ireland at just 20 years old. Over a 14-year international career, he was capped 57 times and became one of Canada’s finest players. Known for his exceptional kicking ability, he scored 421 test points, ranking third all-time for Canada and 14th internationally at the time of his retirement. Although he played multiple positions, Ross was most influential at fly half, where his vision and leadership stood out. At the club and professional levels, Ross won multiple Island and Provincial titles with the James Bay Athletic Association and later played professionally in Wales with Cardiff. He captained Canada at the Under-19, Under-21, and senior levels and returned from retirement for the 2003 World Cup, earning Man of the Match in his final game. Off the field, Ross continues to contribute to rugby through his involvement with Thunder Rugby, supporting Indigenous athletes and recognition in the sport. <Back

AlgonCrees Team 2025 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back In the fall of 2024, AlgonCrees had participated in the World Broomball Championship in Megeve/St. Gervais, France. The team was made up of Algonquin and Cree women within the province of Quebec in Canada, hence the name AlgonCrees. Not only was it a privilege to play in a high calibre tournament, it was an honour to play with our very own all-Indigenous broomball team. This is a prime example of unity for the love of broomball. While in France, the AlgonCrees were truly grateful for all the tremendous support we had received from our people back home. We felt the whole Algonquin and Cree Nation rooting for us from afar. The AlgonCrees are pictured with their silver medals. They lost by two points in the Gold Medal game versus the USA Gray Ducks. Top left: Katie Nottaway, Tanya Nottaway, Elizabeth Hester, Gwen Tenasco, Lorrain Nottaway, Aleasha Bush, Wynonna Ratt, Wanessa Thusky, Delci Wadden, Stephanie Wawatie-Whiteduck; Bottom left: Brooklyn Dixon, Destiney Isik- Blacksmith, Amanda M. Neeposh, Erin Gull, Shayden Decoursay, Koyesha Iserhoff

< Back Darris Kilgour Darris Kilgour Tuscarora Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete/Coach 2026 Darris Kilgour is the younger brother of Rich Kilgour. Darris was named to the NLL’s All-Pro Second Team multiple times in the 90s, including in 1998, when he had a 37-goal and 30-assist year and had a career-high-tying 69 loose balls that season. He had a coaching career with the Buffalo Bandits. He has the most wins as a coach in team history. From 2003-2013, the Bandits won 103 games. During that 11-season stretch, he coached the Bandits to a winning record in 10 of those years. The team won the NLL title in 2008. Darris Kilgour was drafted in 1991, the first player ever drafted by the Buffalo Bandits. During his playing career, he played with the Buffalo Bandits (1992-99), Rochester Knighthawks (1999), and the Albany Attack (2000). In these eight seasons Darris earned three All-Pro selections: First Team in 1998, and Second Team in 1992 and 1997. Darris retired in 2000, and became the first player in NLL history to have his jersey number retired by the Bandits. Darris then began his coaching career in 2000 with the Washington Power, and in 2003 he returned to coach the hometown Buffalo Bandits. During his coaching career, Darris was voted NLL Coach of the Year in 2003, selected to coach the Eastern All-Stars in 2004, won the NLL Championship in 2008, and in 2010, surpassed Coach Les Bartley as the all time regular season wins leader. Darris Kilgour was inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame in 2007. Source: Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. <Back

< Back Brady Fairbanks Brady Fairbanks Leech Lake Ojibwe Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2022 Brady Fairbanks, 2007 graduate of Cass Lake Bena High School (MN), was a Minnesota High School All-State athlete in football and basketball. During his high school career, Fairbanks was a three-year starter on the basketball team leading CLB to an 83-11 record, including 42-0 in conference play. In 2006-2007, he led CLB to the Class A State Championship game where the team came up just shy of victory in a memorable game. Accomplishments include: • Conference MVP (‘06 and ‘07), • Section 6 MVP (‘06 and ‘07), • Honorable Mention State (‘06), • 2nd Team All State (‘07), • McDonald’s All-American Nominee, • Minnesota Native American Athlete of the Year, • National High School Player of the Year (Native Elite Showcase) Fairbanks accepted a full scholarship to NCAA DII Bemidji State University, becoming a starter and earning a spot on the All-Freshman Team in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Transferring to Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) after his junior year, Fairbanks had a historical year becoming the school’s first male athlete to become a NAIA All-American. Accomplishments include: • 7th nationally in scoring (20.9), • 14th in rebounding (6.3), • First Team All-Conference, • Conference New-Comer of the Year, • Team MVP, • 1,000+ Points (Collegiate Career). Photos: Haskell Athletics and Ryan White <Back

Haudenosaunee Dehontsigwaehs IIJL WORLD U16 LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP (WU16LC) 2023 Gold Medal: Haudenosaunee Team 2026 Induction Category: Year Inducted <Back Jordan Christjohn, Kingston Delormier, Parker Booth, Trevy Seymour, Hodawe:Je John, Gahowanens Shenandoah, Tehohonwáthe Bomberry, Dee Francis, Chace Cogan, Gawasasche Hill, Kaidyn (Honrahdagwaisro's) Lickers-Henry, Kalem (Howęnadae:) Powless, Roy Thomas, Rohahes Delormier, Taigehdoh Steeprock, Brycin Jones, Kenyon Shenandoah, Everett (Ha’tsihgahdo:d) Stevens, Rhys Kennedy, Lewis White, Jayce Deliomer Head Coach: Brandon Francis Assistant Coach: Adam Bomberry General Manager: Gewas Schindler

Curt Styres Mohawk, Wolf Clan Induction Category: Year Inducted Builder 2024 <Back One of the Six Nations of The Grand River's most successful businessmen and the Owner and GM of the Halifax Thunderbirds NLL Team, Styres is a name synonymous with growing the game of lacrosse. He was raised by his mother Vera, who taught him to work hard, take care of your family, give back to your community and be thankful for the gifts you have been given. Styres is passionate about lacrosse and growing the game on and off of his community. In 2004 he opened of the Iroquois Lacrosse Arena located on Six Nations in summer is the home of many local teams and provides a Winter Lacrosse League for youth to continue to grow their skills in the off season. He has given back in many ways, from donating equipment to youth programs and coaching teams himself to multiple Provincial and National Championships. In his previous role as the lead sponsor for the Arrows Express Jr A team, Styres applied his concept of "put the tools in front of the player," resulting in a run of OLA championships from 2004 to 2007 in which year his arena hosted the Canadian Championship for the Jr As, the Minto Cup. Success seems to follow him whereever he goes as the Championships continued with his previous NLL team, the Rochester Knighthawks, who won three consecutive Champion's Cups 2012-2014. In 2011 and 2018, Styres was recognized for his leadership, knowledge, and commitment by the National Lacrosse League and was awarded the honour of the GM of The Year. In 2019 he moved his Rochester Knighthawks, NLL team to their new home in Halifax, Nova Scotia and became the Halifax Thunderbirds. Styres, along with a rotating group of players and supporters, undertook a 92-day canoe crusade from Six Nations, Ontario to deliver professional lacrosse to Nova Scotia by way of a wooden lacrosse stick in his hands. He strives for greatness in everything he does, keeping the values his mother taught him close to his heart and remaining grounded in the community he loves.

< Back Madison Lavergne Madison Lavergne Métis Induction Category: Year Inducted Athlete 2026 Madison Lavergne is Métis and was a member of the two-time NCAA DIII National Hockey Championship University of Wisconsin-River Falls team. The Falcons won in back-to-back seasons in 2023-24 and 2024-25. She is currently a senior on the team. As a junior in the 2024-25 season, Lavergne was named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. She played in all 31 games with 30 points off 10 goals and 20 assists. She earned the WIAC Player of the Week and Falcon of the Week honors. As a sophomore in the 2023-24 season, Lavergne was named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. She played in all 31 games with 16 points off 10 goals and six assists. She scored four game-winning goals, including the game-winner against Gustavus Adolphus in the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals. She was named to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team. She also earned WIAC Player of the Week and two-times Falcon of the Week honors. As a freshman in the 2023-24 season, Lavergne was named an AHCA All-American Scholar. She also was named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll, Lavergne played in all 29 games with 28 points (14g-14a). She scored a hat-trick against UW-Superior and was named the Falcon of the Week one time. Madison Lavergne joined the Falcons as a forward from Warroad, Minn. where she played for the Warroad High School hockey team. As a senior, she was her team’s captain and helped lead the Warriors to a Minnesota State Tournament Championship and finished the season with 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points. She was named to the All-Conference team as a junior and senior, and was on the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Katie and Rene Lavergne, and she is majoring in Exercise and Sports Science. <Back

Athena Aitken <Back Anishinaabe/Hocąk Induction Category: Year Inducted Coach 2024 Athena Aitken was born and raised in Northern Minnesota and is a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. In her high school years she was a tri-sport athlete competing at varsity level in volleyball, track and field, and golf. At age 16 during a Student Ambassador trip to New Zealand and Australia, Aitken fell in love with the sport of rugby and decided to play in college. Beginning her rugby career at Colorado State University, she played as a utility forward for two seasons before transferring to a university closer to home. Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) had a thriving women's club rugby team where Athena played as a tight-five forward for four years. In 2012 after graduating from MSUM with a Bachelors in Anthropology, Aitken wanted to stay involved with rugby since most collegiate clubs at the time were player-led and coached. She took the USA Rugby coaching certification and became a volunteer coach for MSUM Women's Rugby. In her first year coaching the team reached their second-ever post season playoff game, but lost. The next year the team progressed to regionals before taking their first loss of the season. In 2014 MSUM Women made their first appearance at Nationals in New Jersey, placing third. 2015 saw the team win every game they played, culminating in a National Championship title in South Carolina. Since their title the MSUM Women's team has enjoyed post season play to the regional level every year, in addition to their appearances at Nationals in Georgia in 2018 and 2019 placing fourth and third respectively. Aitken takes pride in teaching the bruising sport of rugby to collegiate athletes that have never seen or heard of the sport. In all her years at MSUM she has coached a total of two players with previous rugby experience. With such a short time to teach new players an entirely new game she has to lean on their previous sports experience and empower them with physical and mental tools to succeed.